In life, there are no coincidences and I strongly believe that Barbara and I were meant to cross paths. The 2016 I am Bold. I Rise marketing for the campaign had already begun. One of our mutual friends, also a participant, posted on her Instagram about the campaign and Barbara immediately reached out to her and said she wanted to be a part of it; she knew it was time for her story to be told.

About two years ago I met this amazing, vibrant, caring, genuine woman, who at the time I had no idea would become one of my good friends. A mentor even because she has taught me many valuable lessons. Months before we met, her employer had gone bankrupt and were forced to close their doors.

I have always held a special fondness for the month of April, aside from enjoying the beautiful weather and the blossoming of the flowers I am honored to introduce Tamara Mena. April’s I am BOLD I RISE ambassador. I was immediately moved by Tamara’s tenacity to turn her pain into her purpose.

Ariana and I first met at a women’s conference and from the beginning, I knew that she and I would become friends We eventually began to met up to share our stories. As we sat and talked over dinner, Ariana was in tears as I shared my daughter's story with her. She said that I was an amazing and strong mother for standing by my daughter after I found out her father had sexually abused her.

The other day I had someone ask me how is it I manage being a single mother of four, a soldier, a graduate student, a volunteer for a social justice organization, an A4MS participant, participant in a women group and still have ME time…

Keeping your word is so powerful. Many times I’ve promised myself I was going to do something and I didn’t stay true to my word. You know what that did to me? It made me feel little as a person. It made me think if I don’t even keep my word to myself, how I will expect other people to believe me.

So I finally took the leap to be business owners…now what? I’d be lying if I said I wasn't excited, nervous, and scared all at the same time. I have no experience running an e-commerce store but I both am willing to do what it takes to learn the business.